Box Score ALAMOSA, Colo. — The Regis University men's soccer team clinched their playoff spot in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference tournament as a #5 seed with a win against Adams State University on Sunday. The Rangers (8-8-2 overall, 5-3-2 RMAC) kept a clean sheet against the Grizzlies (1-15-2 overall, 1-8-1 RMAC) in Alamosa, 2-0.
How It Happened: The Rangers' defense was lights out on Sunday as the Grizzlies only managed to get three shots throughout the entire match. All three of which were saved by senior goalkeeper Greg L'Hommedieu.
"Today's game was important for us in making sure we make it to postseason play," said men's soccer head coach, Taylor Diem. "We came out well and controlled a lot of the tempo of the game. Obviously, we came out and scored two goals in the first half so we were happy to have the lead going in to halftime with the wind at our backs in the second half. Ultimately, it was good to get the clean sheet and the win."
Sophomore Rayhan Carlson-Du Toit had himself a game with his team-leading 13th goal of the season. The dynamic duo in Kristian Hooker and Carlson-Du Toit banded together as Hooker threaded a pass through two defenders and the New Zealand-native buttoned it up with a shot to the lower left corner of the net in the 12th minute.
Elias Taubo wanted in on the offensive action as well. The junior from Norway had his second goal of the season in the 24th minute, assisted by Michael Jimenez. Jimenez was able to drop the ball in front of the net as Taubo finished the play, threading the ball around the goalkeeper and into the net.
"Taubo worked hard and Adams State was playing a pretty high line. He found some success making some runs behind early and ultimately got on the end of one. He took a touch around the end of the goalkeeper and had a nice calm and composed finish. I know he's had opportunities but today he showed a lot of quality to be able to put his chance away," said Diem.
Sunday's match marked the fourth match in a row that the Rangers led after the first 45 minutes. With at least a goal lead, Regis is currently 4-0 and outscoring opponents 3-1 in the first half.
"[The offense] has been clinical in front of the goal," said Diem. "The guys are starting to put the ball in the back of the net on a more consistent basis and I think the overall quality in the final third has increased which has allowed us to score some early goals. It allows us the ability to go into halftime with a lead."
With the win against Adams State, the Rangers have punched their ticket to the RMAC tournament and will be entering as a five-seed.
"Honestly, we're feeling really good right now. We had a slow start at the beginning of conference play and dug ourselves a little bit of a hole. But massive credit to the guys and the character they've shown in the last six games or so to get the results that we needed to put ourselves in position to where we're qualifying for postseason play," said Diem. "I'm really, really happy with where we're at, we're on an upwards trajectory and I feel like we've found our stride at the right part of the season and we're excited for the next game coming up."
Game Notes:
Up Next: The Ranger begin postseason play on Oct. 27 in the quarterfinal match.
